Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Reopening framework - We are in Phase 2

The City has established a five-phase plan for the reopening of City buildings and services. The City Manager and EOC Executive Management Policy Team will decide when to change stages (forward or backward) based on the data and science.

Phase 2: Limited reopening

Programs, services and field operations

Services required to be remote where possible, including new remote offerings if practicable.

Limited high-priority services that must be done in person can restart with social distancing.

All field operations following Governor’s guidelines

Public events

Allowed in person, if can socially distance and no more than 5 people

Public meetings

City Council and Council Committees continue to meet remotely with public comment to conduct “necessary and routine business.” Any public hearing by City Council and Council Committees must be COVID-19 related. Planning Commission, UAC, Design Review and other boards and commissions meet remotely for “necessary and routine business.”

Public facilities

Public facilities are closed to public.

Common areas (conference rooms, break rooms, kitchens) are restricted to ensure social distancing.

High touch areas (microwaves, refrigerators, light switches) must be disinfected after use.

Remote meeting preferred, but in-person meetings allowed with social distancing and no more than 5 people.

Increased cleaning and sanitation for city facilities.

Visitors are required to wear masks.

Follow recommended building flow paths.

Phase 3: Partial reopening

Programs, services and field operations

Remote service delivery is preferred, including new remote offering if practicable.

All services can restart in person if they can socially distance. Could require staggered schedules or re-arranged office spaces.

All field operations following Governor’s guidelines

Public events

Allowed in person, if can socially distance and LESS than 50 people.

Public meetings

Hybrid meeting set up (in person with a remote option for City Council, Council Committees, Planning Commission, UAC, Design Review and other boards and commissions). Public hearings that are non-COVID-19 related are permitted if less than 50 people and can socially distance, hand sanitizer, etc. Otherwise remote meetings must be for "necessary and routine business."

Public facilities

Reopen as needed based on department plans.

Common areas (conference rooms, break rooms, kitchens) are restricted to ensure social distancing.

High touch areas (microwaves, refrigerators, light switches) must be disinfected after use.

Remote meetings preferred with outside customers.

In-person meetings are allowed with social distancing and LESS than 50 people.

Increased cleaning and sanitation for city facilities.

Visitors are required to wear masks.

Follow recommended building flow paths.

Phase 4: Reopening pre-vaccine

Programs, services and field operations

Services should continue to use social distancing practice.

All field operations following Governor’s guidelines.

Public events

Allowed in person, if can socially distance and more than 50 people.

Public meetings

All boards and commissions are in operation, possibly in hybrid setting, but with more than 50 people (spaced chairs, hand sanitizer, etc.).

Consider longer-term remote offerings for some boards and commissions for “necessary and routine business.”

Public facilities

Reopen as needed based on department plans.

Minimize in person meetings.

No restriction on common areas but staff should continue to socially distance.

High touch areas (microwaves, refrigerators, light switches) should be disinfected after use.

Visitors are required to wear masks.

Follow recommended building flow paths.

Phase 5: Vaccine available

Return to pre-COVID status quo

No restrictions

Potential for permanent changes to work practice and public meetings (i.e., remote options), consistent with the OPMA, which requires public meetings. Options may include offer for persons to attend remotely during a public meeting.

Program & service updates

City Council

City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus emergency. While in Phase 2, Council Chambers and City Hall will be closed to the public. Council meetings will be conducted remotely via Zoom and will accommodate public comment. Visit our City Council page to register.

Online Services

The public is reminded that most common City tasks can be done online. Find them all on our Online Services page.

Olympia Police Department

OPD remains fully staffed and operational during the emergency. Walking Patrol and Crisis Response Units are fully operational. Police will be making a special effort to keep an eye on buildings left closed due the Governor’s coronavirus order.

Parks & Recreation

All City of Olympia parks, trails and associated parking lots are now open. Restrooms are open on a limited/winter schedule.

Sport courts including volleyball, basketball, pickleball and tennis are now open.

Group amenities including park shelters, playgrounds and the Yauger Skate Court will remain closed until Phase 3.

All City sponsored recreation classes, activities and programs are canceled until further notice.

Garbage, Recycling & Organics

Garbage and recycling collection for residential and commercial customers continues as scheduled. Residential customers should continue to place their carts out for pick up by 6 a.m. Commercial customers that may need to switch to on-call service or reduced service should call 360.753.8106.

The Saturday Yard Waste Drop-off Site, located at 1000 10th Ave SE, is closed. Glass and cardboard drop-off are still be available 24/7.

Homeless Services

The City is working closely with Thurston County to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak's impacts on unhoused individuals. They have developed a plan to guide this effort. Learn more on our Homelessness web page.

Resources & assistance

Public Health Information

Utility Relief

City of Olympia utility customers affected by the COVID-19 emergency can fill out a simple self-certification form to have their utility payments deferred for 60 days without interest or penalties. Complete the form...

Utilities will not be shut off for non-payment for anyone who cannot make payments due to the impacts of the coronavirus. The declaration will be in effect until June 18, 2020.

Business Assistance & Economic Recovery

Olympia businesses can defer their first quarter, 2020 Business & Occupation (B&O) tax filings and payments until July 31. Filings and taxes are normally due at the end of April.

PBIA ratepayers affected by the COVID-19 emergency can fill out a simple self-certification form to have their PBIA assessments deferred until July 31. Complete the form...

In addition, the City is joining our regional partners to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. Small businesses hit by the loss of revenue because of the coronavirus outbreak can find a list of resources on the Thurston Economic Development Center website.

The City has also entered into contracts with several local non-profits to bolster the community’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

$50,000 to the Thurston County COVID-19 Response Fund established by the United Way and the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound. The fund will help build the capacity of local nonprofit organizations to respond to the crisis. It will also help individuals and families who have been affected, such as hourly wage earners and those without access to sick leave and health benefits.

$500,000 set aside for regional economic recovery work. Some of these funds have already gone to partners like the Olympia Downtown Alliance and Thurston County Chamber of Commerce to assist in directing businesses and their employees to support resources and assistance programs via the new website thurstonstrong.org.